TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT HELPS PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGISTS design and develop appropriate solutions when the performance problem involves a lack of skills or knowledge. This article provides answers to some common questions about training needs assessment. 

Before investing in a training needs assessment, be sure that education, training or information will effectively solve the problem. Don’t waste company time and money on a needless effort. 

People often "jump the gun" by assuming that training is the best the solution to performance problems. Before you make that assumption, be sure training is the best solution by conducting a performance analysis. 

When conducting a training needs assessment, gather information that will help you identify the most effective solution.

The following techniques will help you get
the information you need:

• Interview employees
• Interview customers
• Conduct surveys
• Observe the workplace
• Read documents relevant to job 
  

After you conduct the training needs assessment, design and develop an appropriate solution based on your findings.

Solution systems typically include:

Information Support:

• job aids
• electronic performance support systems
  

Training and Education:

• courses
• computer based training
• workshops

Lisa M.Vella：Special thanks to my Ed Tech 561 team for helping me complete this project. I would also like to thank Cindy Nelson and Abdur Shoyeb, my models in the photographs.